How to Draw a Crown of Thorns

The crown of thorns is a symbol used in many different religions. To draw one easily, the key is to focus on one part at a time, including the many thorns that must be included. Thorns come in many different sizes and shapes, so try not to make them all identical, as it can make the drawing look less authentic.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper
• Eraser

1. Use a pencil to draw a light ring shape on a piece of paper. The ring shape should look like a stretched-out oval, and shouldn't be so dark that it cannot be erased completely later.

2. Cover up the ring by drawing some swirling vines over it. The vines should look a little ragged and dry as opposed to lush and healthy. Parts of the vine can even wander further away from the original ring. Use an eraser to remove any overlapping lines and evidence of the original oval shape. You should be left with a ring of dry, twisting vines.

3. Draw a thorn over the vine---the thorn should have at least four points that are long and have very sharp ends. When you have finished drawing the thorn, use an eraser to remove any stray lines inside the thorn itself. Repeat, using various sizes and shapes of thorns, until the vines are cluttered with sharp, pokey shapes.

4. Shade all untouched vine pieces with the side of the pencil lead, varying the intensity of the color as you go around.

References

• Crown of thorns clip art
• Crown of thorns drawing

Resources

• Crown of thorns gallery